Qantas Makes History with First Non-Stop Sydney-Las Vegas Route

Qantas has announced it will become the first airline in the world to operate a regularly scheduled non-stop service between Australia and Las Vegas.

The new seasonal route, set to launch on 29 December 2026, will link Sydney directly to Harry Reid International Airport, slashing up to five hours off current travel times by bypassing traditional hubs like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The service, which will run through 12 March 2027, becomes the 101st destination on the Qantas international network. It is timed to capture peak demand for major global events, including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the National Rugby League (NRL) Las Vegas Festival, which has seen three consecutive years of sold-out charter flights.

Commenting on the announcement, Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace, said: “Australians’ appetite for international travel continues to be incredibly strong.”

“Our historic fleet renewal is giving us the flexibility to deploy aircraft where we see demand… Las Vegas becomes our 101st destination and is a great example of how we’re using that capability,” Wallace said.

Strategic and Commercial Implications

Australia currently ranks as Las Vegas’ second-largest overseas market and was previously the top international market without a direct air link.

CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Steve Hill, noted that more than 250,000 Australians visit the city annually.

“This service is a testament to the strength of the Australian market for Las Vegas.”

“We are grateful to Qantas for their partnership and confidence in our city,” Hill said. 

Boosting Two-Way Tourism

The announcement has also been hailed by the Australian Government as a win for inbound tourism. Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, highlighted that 745,000 Americans visited Australia last year, and the direct link is expected to drive those numbers even higher by making the “down under” journey more accessible for travellers in the American Southwest.

The service will utilise the 787-9 Dreamliner’s three-class configuration, featuring 42 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 166 Economy seats, all equipped with fast, free Wi-Fi – a key selling point for the tech-heavy CES crowd transiting in January.

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